Premium tire demand drives Bridgestone growth across regions

Tokyo, Japan – Bridgestone has reported higher tire sales across its regional businesses in the first nine months of 2026, supported by demand for premium products and improvements in pricing and product mix.

The Japanese tire maker highlighted continued growth in European high-rim-diameter tire sales, stronger replacement demand in Japan and improved performance in Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, strong demand for ultra-large mining tires supported profitability in its speciality tire operations, said the group 12 Nov.

In Japan, nine-month revenue increased 6% year-on-year to Yen965.5 billion (€5.45 billion), while adjusted operating profit rose 30% to Yen171.6 billion.

Bridgestone attributed the improvement to higher passenger car (PC/LT) replacement tire sales, stronger OE sales and improved pricing and product mix.

Third-quarter sales were also supported by "pre-buy demand ahead of price increases," the company noted.

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, revenue for the first nine months increased 9% to Yen682.7 billion, while adjusted operating profit rose 38% to Yen45.8 billion.

The group reported "continued sales growth of premium tires," particularly high-rim-diameter products, while benefits from its business restructuring were "steadily materialising."

In the Americas, revenue increased 11% to Yen1,753.4 billion, but adjusted operating profit remained broadly flat at Yen158.2 billion.

Bridgestone said its new products and multi-brand strategy had supported growth in North America, with PC/LT and truck and bus (TBR) replacement tire sales exceeding market demand.

The group also reported ‘a recovery’ in North American truck and bus OE tire demand during the third quarter.

In Asia-Pacific, India and China, revenue for the nine months to end of September increased 14% to Yen424.7 billion, while adjusted operating profit rose 22% to Yen50.3 billion.

Higher sales of PC/LT and TBR tires, improved product mix and leaner expense management helped offset rising raw-material costs.

By product category, sales of PC/LT tires increased 11% year-on-year to just under Yen2,000 billion, while adjusted operating profit rose 20% to Yen234.3 billion.

TBR tire revenue increased 9% to Yen816.6 billion, with adjusted operating profit up 11% to Yen77.8 billion.

The company's speciality tire operations, including off-the-road, aircraft, agricultural and motorcycle tires, recorded a 10% revenue increase to Yen519.2 billion.

Adjusted operating profit in the division increased 30% to Yen126.9 billion.

"Sales of ultra-large OR tires for mining remained strong," Bridgestone said, adding that yen depreciation also supported the division's profitability.